By Peter Day
Senior Reporter
The first triple-digit heat wave of 2016 hits Lucerne Valley late last week prompting residents to turn on their swamp coolers and, when possible, stay indoors.
Last Wednesday the Leader posted an AccuWeather "Excessive Heat Watch" alert for Friday on its Facebook page. In response, one Leader page follower to reply, "Noon Friday? It's 102 now."
Yes indeed. Even before the AccuWeather alert was to take effect, temperatures were on the rise in Lucerne Valley. According to some thermometers, triple digits were broken in the middle of the week, as the commenter noted. But weather forecasters were anticipating even hotter temperatures on the weekend.
"Highs of 110 or above are expected across the Desert Southwest during the peak of the heat this weekend," AccuWeather Meteorologist Ryan Adamson said.
Victorville was looking at estimates of 108 degrees. Las Vegas was projected to break 110, and Barstow was expecting at least 106 on Saturday.
The heat warning came with a stern suggestion:
"This is the first heat wave of the season. Those susceptible to heat should take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside."
The warning also encouraged people to know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat exhaustion may include a rapid pulse and heavy sweating. Heat stroke is marked by fever and often unconsciousness.
The desert areas of the Southwest weren't the only regions hit by the heat wave. Fueled by a jet stream shift northward, even normally pleasant Portland, Oregon was forecasting 100-plus temperatures.